Cardiac Rhythms
Atrial Fibrillation
Medication
Physical Assessment
Patient Education
100

A type of irregular heartbeat where the heart upper chambers twitch erratically instead of contracting properly 

What is atrial fibrillation?

100

High blood pressure (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), congenital heart defects, heart failure (HF), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Aging, Infections

What are causes and risk factors?

100

a fast acting anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots.

What is heparin?

100

medical, surgical, family and social history

What is patient history?

100

Amiodarone

What is a prescription medication: 

1used to convert your abnormal rhythm back into a normal rhythm

2take the medication same time everyday

3do not stop abruptly

4missed doses take as soon as possible, do not double up on dose

5avoid grape fruit

6photosensitivity

7avoid driving and operating heavy machinery: as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness

8not recommend during pregnancy use reliable birth control and talk with your pphysician

200

the electrical pattern of the heart, originating in the sinoatrial node

What is sinus rhythm?

200

Stroke and Heart Failure

What are complications?

200

class III antiarrythmic agent that works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart including potassium, sodium,  and calcium channels, to stabilize the heart rhythm.

What is amiodarone?

(Dronedarone Sotalol Dofetillide Ibutilide)

200

a systematic questioning about the different body systems to uncover related symptoms, subjective information

What is Review of Systems?

200

Atrial Fibrillation

1can put you at a higher risk for blood clots, stroke and heart failure

2may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain 

3lifestyle changes: heart healthy diet, exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, 

4medication management

5work with physician

300

An extra heartbeat that can originate in the upper or lower chambers of the heart

What is premature contractions?

(PVC and PAC)

300

Paroxysmal, persistent and long-standing persistent

What are types of atrial fibrillation?

300

widely used to treat various and circulatory conditions such as hypertension (HTN), angina, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat by blocking beta-1 receptors

What is beta blocker?

metoprolol, atenolol, propanolol, and sotalol

300

a head to toe or focused examination using techniques like inspection, auscultation, palpation and percussion, along with vital signs.

What is a physical examination?

300

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

1wear comfortable close avoid lotions, oils, powder and perfumes

2continue to taking regular medications

3eat a light meal no fasting

4noninvasive ultrasound of the heart structure and function

400

a common heart rhythm disorder where the atria beats too quickly in an organized pattern due to faulty electrical circuit.

What is atrial flutter?


400

racing heartbeat, shortness of breath and fatigue

What are common symptoms?

400

a class of drugs that works by blocking the factor Xa, directly binding to and inhibiting thrombin

What is non vitamin K oral anticoagulants?

400

assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation

What is the nursing process?

400

Syncopal Episode

What the medical term for fainting?

temporary loss of consciousness and muscle control can be cause by vasovagal, postural and cardiac problems

500

a mild form of arrhythmia where the electrical signals from the upper chambers to the lower chambers are delayed as they pass through the atrioventricular node

What is first degree heart block?

500

Key lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking and managing stress

What is preventions?

500

Protamine Sulfate

What is the antidote for heparin?

500

electrocardiogram, BMP, pro-BNP, echocardiogram

What are diagnostic tests?

500

Cardioversion

Before:

fast for 8 hours

avoid lotions on chest and back

During:

medications and intravenous fluids

sedation process

After:

No driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours

Soreness is expected

Start with a liquid diet and advance as tolerated (anesthesia can cause nausea vomiting)

Monitor your pulse and blood pressure

When to contact 911 

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